Position: Chief Pilot

Location: Manassas, VA

Make an Impact with Leidos

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the dedication of our diverse and talented teams. United by a shared commitment to our customers’ success, we empower our people, support our communities, and operate sustainably. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide every aspect of our work, ensuring we do the right thing—for our customers, our people, and the world around us.

Thrive in a Mission‑Focused Environment

Your time at Leidos will be a wise investment in your career and in yourself. We welcome your perspective and ideas, in order to foster collaboration and deliver world-class solutions. We look for solutions that not only transform businesses but also change the world. We offer a robust benefits package including competitive salaries; company matching 401K Retirement Plan; comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage; tuition reimbursement and more.

The Leidos Defense Sector has a career opportunity for a Chief Pilot supporting the HR3DGI O&TI III program. This role provides expert counsel to the Program Manager and line leadership on all aspects of aircraft operations. The Chief Pilot will focus on aviation operations supporting a U.S. Army contract and must bring deep experience operating ISR and/or mapping aircraft in OCONUS environments—both in controlled airspace under U.S. DoD and coalition oversight, and in locations with uncontrolled airspace. A strong understanding of U.S. Army and DoD procedures, guidelines, and regulations governing aircraft certification, maintenance, and operations in GOCO and COCO environments is essential.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, maintain, and enforce ground and flight operations procedures in accordance with DCMA 8210.1D and AR 95‑1.

• Support management of subcontracts involving aircraft operations and ensure subcontractor performance aligns with program requirements.

• Conduct aircraft evaluations and provide recommendations to program leadership and customers regarding aircraft selection to meet mission needs.

• Collaborate with technical experts to develop airborne solutions, including integration of mission systems into airborne platforms.

• Participate in business development strategic planning and provide aviation‑focused insight to support growth initiatives.

• Provide leadership, oversight, and mentorship for up to 10 direct reports, ensuring operational excellence and professional development.

Requirements, Education, and Skillsets:

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of related experience. Additional years' experience may be used in lieu of a degree.

• 4+ years of experience supervising or leading teams or projects.

• US Citizen; Currently possess an active DoD Secret clearance with ability to upgrade to TS/SCI upon hire.

• Valid passport and state driver’s license

• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring ability, team-oriented and strong reasoning and communications skills, both oral and written

• Ability to develop professional documents and presentations

Flight Hour & FAA Requirements:

• Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

• King Air 300/350 type rated - rating held for the last five (5) consecutive years

• Experience with Proline 21 and Garmin G1000 avionics.

• 4,500 hours total time

• 1,500 hours PIC total time (1.5x multiplier allowed for Aerial Survey experience)

• 1000 hours PIC in a Super King Air 350 aircraft or similar aircraft.

• 500 hours instructor time

• 400 hours actual instrument time

• Current FAA Class II Medical Certificate

• Possess a valid FAA Commercial Airplane and Airplane Airman Certificate.

• Multiengine Land and Instrument Airplane ratings (certificate).

• CFI/MEI and Instrument Airplane instructor certificates.

Preferred Qualifications:

• DoD Top Secret clearance

• Experience with DoD and the intelligence community

• Prior experience as a US Military, customs, DEA pilot or US contracting ISR Pilot

• Prior OCONUS rotation experience, particularly in current area of operation

Ready to make an impact? Start your next career chapter with Leidos - apply today!

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.